Goals & Scope:
GT Drilling aimed to deliver a cutting-edge geothermal solution capable of supplying geothermal heating, geothermal cooling, and geothermal pool heating to diverse facilities throughout the Ellerston property. Geo-Exchange Australia’s design specified borehole depths and spacing, while GT Drilling installed FRANK loops at those depths. After drilling concluded, Radiant Heating & Cooling connected the loops to FRANK manifolds, forming a cohesive ground-source heat pump network. Each phase demanded precise coordination, especially given the project’s global distinction as a record-setting geothermal estate.
Site Conditions & Drilling Methods:
Ellerston spans an expansive rural location in NSW, where the first 20 meters of drilling encountered clay followed by basalt rock extending to the final depth. GT Drilling meticulously planned borehole placement to ensure minimal disruption to estate activities and landscaping. Rig mobilization, drilling sequences, and testing protocols all aimed to maintain a discreet presence. This structured approach allowed the project to proceed in phases without compromising day-to-day operations or the environment.
Drilling Equipment & Methods
GT Drilling deployed specialized equipment suited to geothermal projects in NSW. After cutting through 20 meters of clay, the rig tackled basalt rock layers to reach the prescribed depths. A sacrificial tremie line was placed in each borehole to facilitate bottom-up grouting and seal off fractures or aquifers, optimizing loop performance. Once each bore was drilled, GT Drilling installed FRANK loops, sealed them with a thermal grout for better heat exchange, and then produced pressure and test reports for each probe. These test reports ensured that every individual probe installation met designated performance criteria before being signed off.
Collaboration & Execution
Ellerston’s geothermal installation delivers stable indoor comfort for multiple buildings, markedly reducing dependence on conventional energy systems. Leveraging geothermal resources in NSW—through thick clay layers and into basalt rock—the estate gains an efficient, eco-friendly platform for geothermal heating, geothermal cooling, and potential geothermal pool heating. The project underscores GT Drilling’s expertise in coordinating large-scale geothermal work in Sydney, Geo-Exchange Australia’s adept design, and GT Drilling’s precision in drilling, loop placement, tremie line usage, and probe testing. Recognized as the largest private residential geothermal project worldwide, Ellerston attests to the power of advanced design, strong partnerships, and diligent quality assurance.
Outcome & Significance:
Ellerston’s geothermal installation delivers stable indoor comfort for multiple buildings, markedly reducing dependence on conventional energy systems. Leveraging geothermal resources in NSW—through thick clay layers and into basalt rock—the estate gains an efficient, eco-friendly platform for geothermal heating, geothermal cooling, and potential geothermal pool heating. The project underscores GT Drilling’s expertise in coordinating large-scale geothermal work in Sydney, Geo-Exchange Australia’s adept design, and GT Drilling’s precision in drilling, loop placement, tremie line usage, and probe testing. Recognized as the largest private residential geothermal project worldwide, Ellerston attests to the power of advanced design, strong partnerships, and diligent quality assurance.
Key Takeaways:
Ellerston stands as a global exemplar of geothermal innovation, illustrating that organized drilling practices, thorough testing, and reliable loop installation can overcome varied geological challenges—including a 20-meter clay layer followed by basalt rock. GT Drilling’s use of sacrificial tremie lines, along with meticulous pressure and test reports for each probe, ensured the system’s stability and high performance. By incorporating the collaborative efforts of Radiant Heating & Cooling as the main contractor and Geo-Exchange Australia’s system design, this expansive installation underscores how geothermal heating, geothermal cooling, and geothermal pool heating can be implemented successfully in Sydney and beyond, all while aligning with sustainability goals and preserving day-to-day estate activities.
